Moving is Murder: A Salem Falls B&B Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Eleanor Byrne

by Nellie H. Steele

A new hometown. A murdered aunt. Mysterious talking animals. Divorce just turned interesting.

Ellie Byrne’s pending divorce from her cheating husband threatens to leave her broke and homeless. But when she inherits a bed and breakfast in the unique town of Salem Falls, her prayers may be answered.

That is, until she finds out her aunt didn’t just die on the property, she was murdered. And shortly after Ellie arrives, she finds herself the target of threatening messages and hostile attitudes from almost everyone in town. And after someone chucks a rock through her window, she begins to fear for her life.

Can Ellie discover which one of them offed her aunt? Or will the bed and breakfast she’d hoped would provide a fresh start put her in the grave?

If you love middle-aged heroines, talking pets, and quirky small town settings, you’ll love book 1 in this charming paranormal women’s fiction cozy mystery series.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Contemporary, Audiobook

326 pages, Paperback

Published December 16, 2022

About the author

Nellie H. Steele lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with her family and her many fur-babies. When she isn't writing, she enjoys teaching Statistics at a local university or watching her dogs and cats play in the yard.

Nellie is the author of the Cate Kensie Mystery Series, a cozy mystery series following the adventures of Dr. Catherine Kensie, a history professor turned Scottish Countess, and her beloved dog, Riley, as they navigate their new lives in their quirky Scottish highlands castle, solving mysteries along the way! She is the creator of the Shadow Slayers series, a suspenseful series with a supernatural twist! Follow the Shadow Slayers through time as they fight to banish darkness from the world. Nellie also writes an adventure series, Maggie Edwards Adventures. Follow Maggie Edwards as she travels the world solving mysteries and finding unique treasures!

Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news about book releases or like us on facebook (facebook.com/anovelideapublishing) to keep up with us!

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleasurable reading

Cute plot, good clean story. Highly recommend for a peaceful weekend day when you have a little spare time. Fun.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🐈

This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 3

Her aunt has pass away. She has inherited the estate plus a cat and dog. It turns out that the aunt was murdered and the fun begins! Who is the killer? Why? It all comes out leading to the arrest of the killer. 🐕

I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends relationships adventures action mystery novels 🎇👒2025 😃✨

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new cozy series really pulled me in and kept me guessing until the end.

I really liked Ellie's character. Part of it is probably her age, she is around 50, but the other part is that she realized that she needed a change from the disaster of her life and her soon to be ex-husband. She was lucky that an aunt remembered her and the good times they had when she was young and left her entire estate to Ellie. This came at an opportune time, but not everything is as they think. Aunt Susie was murdered, but they don't know who, how, or why. Then, Ellie is threatened, and this makes her even more determined to figure out who is behind everything. And as it is with most cozies, she tends to put herself in harm's way when trying to uncover the truth.

I loved the paranormal side of this book. While we don't really how HOW it happened, Ellie is able to talk to Cleo and Lola, her new pets. Apparently, this was something they could do with her aunt as well. Perhaps it is an inherited trait? Cleo and Lola make the book very interesting with their personalities. Cleo is very bossy, which isn't too surprising since she is a cat. Lola is laid back and likes to bark at everything, and I do mean everything. 

I also liked Ellie's friend, Mia, from her old town. Mia comes to town to help Ellie, but there is more to the story that we don't find out until near the end of the book. I suspected the truth long before it was revealed.

The mystery was engaging. There are many suspects but only one killer. I never guessed who it was until right before it was revealed, and I mean right before...like sentences!

This is going to be a fun series in this small northeastern town. I can't wait to visit again and see what the gang is up to.

We give this book 5 paws up.

[Mickey Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story, clever plot

Strong, but ditzy characters. Unusual animals that are loveable and talkative. Small town drama with a twist. Now that they've been introduced, I can't wait for the next story!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of another great series from this author! I couldn’t put this book down ! I highly recommend it if you like a cosy story !

[Carol Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Christmas present - a new series by one of my favorite authors! The book was terrific

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nellie H.Steel is an accomplished paranormal cozey mystery murder writer as she has proven once again with her newest series .The array of characters are so vibrant and colorful that they draw you in with their own drama and mystique. Then the mystery entices you in further with its intriguing suspects, motives, secrets that are held close in a charming small town. Yet more could be so special than two four legged characters one loving over protective pup and one skittish but endearing kitty. The encouragable plot has you laughing and moaning from the first dramatic page through the layers of mayhem and a magical new beginning for woman left to herself and her best friends help I couldn't put this delightful cozey down until I reached its deadly and unexpected climatic conclusion. Acquire " Moving is Murder " A Salem Falls B&B Paranormal Cozey Mystery for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment 😀 Kat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue Rae Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving is Murder is the first in the Salem Falls B&B series by Nellie H Steele where we meet Ellie Byrne Larson who been cheated on by her husband, up to eyeballs in bills and now Toby wants a divorce. Oh, and Ellie lost her job too! Then Ellie's great Aunt Susie died and left her a very large estate to live comfortable for the rest of her life. Set back is that Ellie must live in the manor with Aunt Susie's dog, Lola and her cat, Cleo. Mac, Susie's attorney informs Ellie that her aunt was murdered and didn't drowned accidentally! While on a ladder Ellie losses her balance and smacks her head and lost consciousness. When she wakes up Cloe and Lola are talking to her. What? Cats and dogs can’t talk. Are you sure? Mia, Ellie’s best friend, Ellie, and the animals are going to figure out what happen to Aunt Susie.

This was a great book and I love that Cloe is sassy while Lola is sweet. Can’t wait to read more books by Nellie Steele.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I guess under the right circumstances, everyone looks like a suspect."

Ellie Byrne Larson, fresh out of options since her ex took everything they had and left, and she just got fired from a job that barely kept her fed.

Then she finds out her aunt passed away and left her a house in Salem Falls. Since she has little to lose she heads out to find out what Aunt Susie left her.

While getting acquainted with her new home and it's resident dog and cat: Lola and Cleo, she begins the process of figuring out what to do. However, it's a bit of a mess as Susie is found to have been poisoned and everyone becomes a suspect. After threats are left at Salem Falls Manor, Ellie begins to think the same person who killed her aunt wants her dead too.

Nellie H Steele has developed in Ellie and Mia 2 strong smart women who are remaking their lives. With surprises in store, if you show up, bring ice cream for the pets with extra whipped cream for the cat. Highly Recommended 5/5
.[ Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleo and Lola make this book, they are hilarious, especially Cleo. This was one of Nellie’s better books that I’ve read so far.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Moving is Murder by Nellie H. Steele is a funny, well-plotted mystery filled with magnificent characters and a beautiful setting.

Will Ellie figure out what happened to her Aunt before she meets the same fate?

Eleanor Byrne Larson
Ellie is our sleuth, and we are in her point of view. Her husband recently left her, took all their money, and split with a waitress. Yet, it's the money part that Ellie doesn't know how to handle, as she is in debt past her ears. The divorce papers come in. Then her boss fires her from work. Seriously, what else could go wrong for the lady? Well...she inherits her Aunt's estate, and now some crazy person is trying to kill her, too. So, out of the frying pan and into the fire? Not really.

I like Ellie. She is in her fifties, and even though things weren't the best, she keeps going. Ellie has hope and good friends. She is making more friends in Salem Falls. This is probably the best summer she has had in a while. Now she has a dog and a cat to share her life with. Plus, her best friend Mia is also headed to Salem Falls.



The Mystery
The town is idyllic, with many nice people who already care for Ellie. Well, except for the one crackpot that killed her Aunt and is terrorizing Ellie and her pets. Since Ellie doesn't feel like the local Sheriff is investigating the crimes, she and Mia are going to figure out who are. These ladies have watched a lot of crime shows, but they really don't know what they are doing. My favorite parts are the ones with Cleo and Lola. Oh, how I wish my pets were like these.

Five Stars
Don't judge this book by its cover. I loved the whole thing, the setting, the town, the businesses, and the people. Ok, except for the cover. Seriously, someone needs to build a town like this so all of us cozy lovers can move there. Ms. Steele does such a fabulous job putting everything together. I completely adore everything. My rating for Moving is Murder by Nellie H. Steele is five stars. I highly recommend this book to all you paranormal cozy fans out there. Ms. Steele has a beautiful writing style that is truly enjoyable.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Moving is Murder by Nellie H. Steele.

Until the next time,

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Emmy McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie received news that her Aunt Susie has passed away. She needs to go to Salem Falls because she has been named in the will. When she arrives there, she finds out that she the sole beneficiary, and that Aunt Susie has left her a lot!! But, she has also left her with a lot of problems. It seem that Aunt Susie was part owner in most of the businesses in town, and her partners were not to happy with her. A stipulation in the will was that Ellie had to take care of Aunt Susie cat Cleo and dog Lola. It has been determined that Aunt Susie was murdered, and shortly after Ellie started receiving death threats. This leads to a great who dun it with lost of suspects, many twists and turns and a great book.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving is Murder: A Salem Falls B&B Paranormal Cozy Mystery is book #1 in the Middle Age is Murder Cozy Mysteries series by Nellie H. Steele.

Ellie Byrne is broke and about to be homeless and divorced. One day she inherits a former B&B from her aunt. She has a wonderful opportunity for a fresh start.

I like Ellie, but Cleo and Lola, are the stars in my opinion. It didn’t take long for Ellie to become attached to them. Ellie’s friend, Mia, seemed a bit over-the-top, but later on we learn things that explain why. I loved the way so many people came out when Ellie needed help. I didn’t guess who the murderer was.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie's life is in a downward spiral. Her husband leaves her and takes all of their money. She tries to make ends meet but it's not working. Then she finds out her Aunt Susie has died and left her everything. Ellie decides a change is in need and this is it. Ellie learns there is more going on than she thought. She takes everything as they come at her, pulls on her big girl panties and stakes her claim on Salem Falls. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Cleo and Lola cracked me up with their silly cat and dog banter, and Cleo reminded me of diva Sassy from the Homeward abound movies. And Mia was just best friend ever the way she came through for Ellie and helped her with the sleuthing. The showdown was tense and I’d never thought of that person either. I loved the ending and am gonna borrow the next book right away!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! Another wonderful series to enjoy! I love these new characters! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!

[Amy Schilz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really cute. It kept me guessing more than I thought it would. The talking animals was unexpected

[Nellie Steele]

It's release month for Moving is Murder! I'm excited to get this new series rolling out on Christmas day!

Spunky middle-aged heroine Ellie is about to prove life only begins when you're turning fifty!

[Roger Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving is Murder is the first cozy murder mystery book in Nellie H Steele’s new Middle Age Murder Cozy Mystery Series. Nellie has broadened her cozy mystery selection by adding a mature but disgruntled with her marriage woman, to the mix.
Ellie Byrne Larson, fifty years old, works part-time as a clerk at a boutique. One day she returned home only to find her husband had left her and cleaned out their joint savings account. Six months later Ellie receives a document informing her that her husband has filed for a divorce. With limited financial assets, Ellie is in turmoil about what action she should take.
As fate would have it, Ellie receives a letter from an attorney stating that her aunt has died and she is the sole beneficiary of her estate in a small town. Along with the estate, Ellie also has been left with her aunt's two, special pets, a dog named Lola and a cat named Cleo. Ellie ventures to her new estate and soon finds out that her aunt did not drown as originally thought, but was murdered.
I enjoyed reading this new addition to Nellie Steele’s cozy series collection. Ellie is a very relatable character and her maturity is welcomed. I found the world-building marvelous, the characters unique, and the mystery surrounding Ellie’s aunt's murder intriguing. Being new to the small town and not knowing anyone, Ellie must use her intelligence, maturity, and experience to decide who to trust or not.
Ellie’s world also becomes more complicated when she awakes after an accident and finds she has a new ability that she soon learns she shared with her departed aunt.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not quite sure this books hits on the cozy mystery vibe. For starters it’s very long. Secondly it’s starts off with a negative tone and I feel like that carries through. At times it drags a bit. I think it could’ve benefited from another pass with an editor with an eye for paring things. I think this book could’ve started with Ellie in Salem Falls and done a quick flashback as to the circumstances that led her to move and it would’ve changed the whole tone. I mean it starts with a bitter ish woman left by her husband and drowning in debt, then poof she got an inheritance and now she’s uber rich with a ton of business investments and an cozy house in which to start her own business which her aunt conveniently left plans for. All this being said it is a good mystery. Lots of suspects and suspicious behavior that keeps our sleuths guessing. I like the quirky small town, the all for one help your neighbor attitude. The characters are fun and funny. I was definitely surprised at who the culprit was! There is definitely potential and I am interested enough that I would read a second book in the series. I do think though this book would have benefited in pace, tone and just overall if it was trimmed down a bit. My two cents, your mileage may vary. 3.5/5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
 
Welcome to the start of a brand new cozy series. We meet Ellie Byrne Larson, who is down on her luck after her ex took everything they had and left. To make it better she gets fired as well even though the pay was never enough. Out of options things are looking dire until she finds out she has inherited a house in Salem Falls after the death of her aunt. As if starting over is not enough it is revealed that her aunt was poisoned and everyone is a suspect. She cannot help but to start looking into things introducing us to all sorts of quirky characters. Add in some new pet, small town flair, and some surprise twists to get a story you will not want to put down making for quite the fun read. Sure to delight fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so sooo good!

Immediately I’m excited, just the right tone! It’s well written (although commas weren’t always in the right place, but that’s just a minor detail) and very entertaining! I loved the talking cat Cleo and dog Lola, they added so much fun to the story! Cleo the cat is of course the leader, the smartest or at least she thinks so, LOL. I like that Ellie’s clever and I loved puzzling along with her. An exciting, puzzling game of who to trust. When Lola..... no, no, I’m not gonna spoil anything, but it was so suspenseful! It got so suspenseful that I wanted to race through the pages and had to pace myself so I could savor it. The mystery had many elements and was cleverly done, and I am happy to say I was wrong about whodunnit, I love being wrong in a mystery, I read so many mysteries that I often know, but here I was surprised. Well done!

[Marwah A · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ 4.5

Moving is Murder was a sweet tale of family, friendships, and community. I loved every second of it. I'm used to reading more YA so I was thrilled when I found out that Ellie was around fifty, It's so interesting following an older character. I loved Ellie's strength in leaving everything she knew behind to start a new life. The mystery itself wasn't obvious, to me at least. I was surprised by the outcome, I just didn't consider it. The only complaint I have is that the investigation itself was a little lackluster and the police were a little too incompetent for my liking. Overall, a very enjoyable read with great characters. Cleo and Lola talk too! And any book with talking animals, especially a talking cat, is a must-read for me!

If you'd like to read my full review you can do so on my blog linked in my profile :)

[Katreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

MOVING IS MURDER by Nellie H. Steele
The First Middle Age is Murder Mystery
 
Ellie Byrne's life is in shambles. Her husband has left her for another woman, emptying their bank account beforehand. She's broke, living in a house she doesn't like and can't afford with neighbors who still think her cheating husband is the bees knees. With her husband now asking for a divorce, as well as half of the house, Ellie gets a glimmer of hope when she learns she's inherited her aunt's house; the condition being she has to live in the home and care for her aunt's beloved pets. With nothing keeping her in Winwick, Ellie moves to Salem Falls only to discover her aunt was murdered and now she's being threatened. Not one to be intimidated, Ellie vows to find the killer-but with so many suspects, will the killer find her first?

I truly enjoyed my first foray into the Middle Age is Murder series. For all the bad that life has recently thrown at Ellie, she has determination, gumption, and a great attitude. I love the Salem Falls setting, despite a lot of sketchy citizens and one nasty killer. As much as I admire Ellie, my favorite characters are Cleo and Lola, especially the sassy Cleo. I also enjoyed how Ellie uncovered the paranormal aspect to the series...and how that helps her solve the mystery. 

One issue I had with this book has to do with word choices. For some reason almost all of the characters waddled! They didn't walk, glide, or move - they waddled. They aren't obese or have knee issues, nor are they penguins, so why are they all waddling? I see a lot of possibilities with this series as Ellie turns her new home back into a B&B and as she speaks to the animals. I look forward to seeing what happens next-and once the B&B is up and running I can't wait to hear Cleo's thoughts about the guests!

Strong, independent characters in an intricately plotted puzzle make MOVING IS MURDER a solid start to a new series.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me and I enjoyed it. The characters were interesting and well-portrayed. The small town was the perfect complement to the plot. Grabbed the next one right away!

Amazon synopsis:
Ellie Byrne’s life is turned upside down when her cheating husband leaves her broke and homeless, but when she inherits a bed and breakfast in the small town of Salem Falls, she’s given a second chance at a fresh start. That is until she finds out her aunt didn't just die on the property, she was murdered.

Suddenly, she finds herself the target of threatening messages and hostile attitudes from almost everyone in town. Desperate to find out who killed her aunt and protect her new life, Ellie summons her amateur sleuth mode, faces her fears, and unravels the mystery.

Can she piece together the clues and find her aunt’s killer or will this bed and breakfast end up a dead and breakfast?

[Janet Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie New Start

Ellie is down on her luck. She's 50, divorcing and out of a job. Mia came to help Ellie establish her new start after Ellie's Aunt Susie leaves her estate her. Two best friends going through large life changes, Ellie and Mia set out to solve a murder. Along with pets Lola and Cleo, they bungle their way through the investigation. Lovely characters with small town helpfulness, friendliness and trust. An intriguing mystery to solve. Follow the clues. No peeking to the end. Enjoy!

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story

I’ve become quite fond of books with older women as the protagonist. In this case, she’s recovering from an unfaithful husband and job loss and receives an unexpected inheritance. The book does a good job laying out the town and the scenario with law-enforcement, town, folk, pets, and random animals…. Which I think will bode well for future books. I took away one star because I didn’t feel the resolution of the mystery was supported. To me it kind of came a little bit out of left field.

[Lisa L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola and Cleo!!

Lola and Cleo made this book an enjoyable read for me!!
This cozy mystery by Nellie Steele was a fun, easy read. Set in a small town, Salem Falls, it is the story of Ellie and her recently deceased Aunt Susie. Lola (dog), and Cleo (cat), were Aunt Susie’s beloved pets, which Ellie inherits along with her house and everything that goes with it. Including the drama!!! Read it. Trust me.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whodunit
Ellie Byrne’s pending divorce from her cheating husband threatens to leave her broke and homeless. But when she inherits a bed and breakfast in the unique town of Salem Falls, her prayers may be answered. The culprit is unknown and it's hard to figure out how Aunt Susie was poisoned. To make matters worse someone is threatening Ell. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Sherrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off ok however the plot did not work as well as it should have. The basic concept is that an Aunt has died leaving the B&B home and businesses to the niece who loved her. She also inherits a talking dog and cat that she can hear. She also gets threats and then is not able to go home since someone decided to run her off the road. Her friend shows up and stays with her and works with her to find out who poison the aunt and who wants her to stop as well.